Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of
the Turkish War
of Independence, and the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey.
It is located in the Anittepe district of the capital city of Ankara. The mausoleum was
created as a result of the common desire of the Turkish nation to build a
"monumental mausoleum" for Atatürk. After an international competition was held
by the Turkish Government in 1941, a jury which evaluated 47 designs from around
the world, selected architects Prof. Emin Onat and Asst. Prof. Orhan Arda.

The site is also the final resting place of İsmet İnönü, the second President
of Turkey, who was interred there after he died in 1973. His tomb faces the
Atatürk Mausoleum, on the opposite side of the Ceremonial Ground.

Anıtkabir: The Turkish
nation's window on its past and future

An outstanding soldier,
commander, reformer, statesman and nation-builderMustafa Kemal Atatürk. To
understand how Atatürks legacy is a part of contemporary Turkish
society, it is essential to understand how his spirit is not only very much
alive, but deeply embedded in the Turkish national consciousness. The reason for
this is not only because of what Atatürk did to keep the Turkish nation
together, but also for what he bequeath the Turkish people--a modern day nation
with the laws and principles needed to democratically govern future generations.

The
trust placed in his leadership during the darkest days of Turkish history, was
rewarded by the national unity which he helped forge,
and the victorious fight to secure liberty, sovereignty and independence. These
achievements gave rise to enduring respect and gratitude which won the hearts of
the people, and are still celebrated in the daily life of the nation.
Atatürks courage and reform-minded
ideas also continue to inspire a new generation, and is the reason why
Atatürk today is still an influential leader. The impressive Mausoleum at Anıttepe is
thus not only a commemorative site which pays tribute to a great national
leader, but is also a symbol
of Turkeys existence and awindow
onto Turkeys future.
The Mausoleum is physical evidence of the enduring
principles, vision, and present-day realities of the foundations upon which
Turkey
was built.
Lastly, the Mausoleum is not only a testament of the living legacy of
Atatürk, but is also an affirmation of the devotion of the Turkish nation to
protect and transmit his ideals. The increase in the annual number of visitors
is evidence of this devotion.

ANITKABIR

--A TRIBUTE TO ATATÜRK & THE TURKISH NATION

The Mausoleum of Atatürk was created as
a result of the common desire of the Turkish people to build a "monumental
mausoleum" that would be befitting Turkeys founder
and first president, and its great leader of the Turkish War of
Independence. The site that was considered most appropriate was Rasattepe, upon
a hill overlooking Ankara, the Turkish capital.
Atatürk died at five past nine in the morning on November 10 1938 in Istanbul
at Dolmabahçe Palace (the nation comes to a halt to honor him each year at this
time). Weeping crowds of all ages came from near and far for over a week to pay
their last respects to Atatürk. On November 19 the coffin was taken in
procession to Sarayburnu from where it was taken onto the battleship Yavuz so
that it could be transported to Izmit. From this city on the Asian shore of the
Sea of Marmara, Atatürks coffin was placed on a specially designated train
which travelled at a slow speed throughout the country on its way to Ankara to
enable mourners to pay their respects.

Once the coffin arrived in Ankara on
November 20, an official funeral was held on November 21.
Dignitaries from many countries attended Atatürks state funeral, as the world
paid tribute to Turkeys extraordinary leader. The coffin was moved in a
solemn procession by gun-carriage from the Grand National Assembly to the
Ethnographic Museum which had been selected as a temporary resting place until a
Mausoleum for Atatürk could be constructed. At five past nine on November 10,
1953, Atatürks remains were taken from the Ethnographic Museum in a Turkish
flag-draped coffin for burial at Anıtkabir.The Mausoleum and surrounding area is adorned with
statues and relief's created by many of Turkey's talented artists. The
site is also the final resting place of İsmet İnönü, the second President of
Turkey and Commander of the Western Front, who was interred there after he died
in 1973. His tomb in the West Arcade, faces the Atatürk Mausoleum, on the
opposite side of the Ceremonial Ground. The grave of İnönü is located beneath
the sarcophagus.
Anıtkabir adjoins the Atatürk War of Independence Museum, which was opened to
the public on August 26, 2002 after the original museum which was established in
1960 was expanded (which is the subject of another TDN article). The museum
exhibits the personal belongings of Atatürk, uniforms, medals, and gifts
presented to him by foreign statesmen. New exhibition areas include room-size
panoramas of the re-enactment of historic battles, using special techniques for
sound and three dimensional effects, original wartime artefacts, and life-size
models. Newly installed thematic exhibitions are presented in showcases in 18
galleries, while other areas are devoted to large scale paintings and portraits
of Atatürks companions and military commanders. The fourth section of the
museum is the Private Library of Atatürk, which includes touch-screen kiosks.
The main entrance of Anıtkabir and the museum is
located on Anıt Caddesi in Tandoğan.

HISTORY OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANITKABİR

After Atatürk passed away, a special
committee was established by the government of the time to choose the location
for Anıtkabir. As a consequence of its studies, the commission decided to build
the Mausoleum on Rasattepe. After an international competition was held in 1941,
a jury evaluated 47 design projects that were submitted from around the world.
The competition was won by Turkish architects Prof. Emin Onat and Asst. Prof.
Dr. Orhan Arda, since their design successfully expressed the national will and
aspirations of the Turkish people, and was most suitable for the area.
The construction of Anıtkabir began on October 9, 1944 and was completed in
1953. On November 10, 1953 the body of Atatürk was taken from the Ethnographical
Museum, which had been his temporary resting place for 15 years, and was buried
in his eternal resting place at Anıtkabir. Anıtkabir covers an area of 750,000
square metres and is divided into two parts; The Peace Park and The Monument
Block. Reflecting the essen

ce of Atatürk's famous phrase, "Peace at home, peace
in the world," plants and trees from different regions of the world and parts of
Turkey thrive in harmony upon this hill where Anıtkabir rises above the Peace
Park. The Peace Park therefore seeks to promote these universal ideals which
serve as an example to other nations and people of the world.

THE
MAUSOLEUM & HALL OF HONOR

The Mausoleum is the
most prominent part of Anıtkabir with an imposing outdoor stairway of 42 steps
which lead up to the entrance. These steps are the most overwhelming section of
Anıtkabir as visitors pay their respects and enter into deep contemplation. As one approaches, he or she soon
stands before a marble dais where Atatürk's well-known declaration is inscribed,
"Sovereignty unconditionally and unrestrictedly belongs to the nation." The
platform was designed by Kenan Yontuç, and it is from here that speakers face
the ceremonial ground. The Mausoleum has a rectangular plan and is
surrounded by eight towering columns of 14.40 meters high along the front and
back, with fourteen columns at the sides. This period of Turkish
Architecture between 1940 and 1950 is characterized by monumental symmetrical
buildings. In addition, Anıtkabir displays Seljuk and Ottoman architectural and
decorative features.
Before the visitor enters the Hall of Honor through its stately bronze doors,
to the right and left are two famous inscriptions where two soldiers who have
pledged to defend the nation stand. On the right are powerful statements from
Atatürks speech on the 10thanniversary of the republic.
Displayed on the left of the enterence is his inspiring address
to the youth of Turkey (Atatürkün Gençliğe Hitabı).
Once the visitor enters inside the Hall of Honor, all eyes fall upon
the Letter of Condolence to the Turkish Nation, a stirring
proclamation to the nation on the day of Atatürks
funeral made by Turkeys second president Ismet Inonu
which states: Peerless hero Atatürk! The fatherland
is grateful to you. Across the Hall of Honor to the
right is Atatürks last message on October 29 1938 to the Turkish army, who is
entrusted to protect the ideals and principles by which the nation was founded.
Both insriptions, extremely moving for young and old alike, were added in 1981
on the occasion of the centennial of Atatürks birth. Upon entering the
Mausoleum the visitor is overcome by quiet personal reflection.
Inside the niche of the window just across the entrance, there is the
symbolic sarcophagus of Atatürk. The sarcophagus is a single piece of 40 tons of
marble, brought from Osmaniye. The base of the sarcophagus is covered with white
Afyon marble. The floor of the hall is covered with marble brought from Adana
and Hatay, and the side walls are covered with marble brought from Afyon and
Bilecik (having red, black, green and tiger pelt colors). The ceiling of the
Hall of Honor and ceilings of the galleries are supported by 27 beams which are
decorated with golden gilt mosaics consisting of Turkish carpet and textile
motifs. The height of this grand and commanding ceiling is 17 meters. There are
12 torches on the walls.

THE TOMB ROOM

The grave and room
where Atatürks honored body is buried is located on the ground floor and is
situated directly under the symbolic sarcophagus placed
on the floor above in the Hall of Honor. The room layout conforms to an
octagonal plan in Seljuk and Ottoman architectural styles. The pyramidal ceiling
is decorated with mosaics in geometrical patterns. The floor and walls are
covered with designs of black, white, and red marble. In the center of
the tomb room rests a red marble sarcophagus in the direction of Mecca.
Brass vases which hold cherished soil from all provinces of
Turkey, as well as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan,
surround the sarcophagus. Although this room is not open to the public,
live coverage of the room from various angles is presented at a display area in
the Atatürk and the War of Independence Museum.

SYMBOLS OF STRENGTH & CONTINUITY

The large relief depictions of
heroic events and historic battles, which are located outdoors and in the
Atatürk and the War of Independence Museum, are a salute to the heroes of the
Republic of Turkey. One example is the set of statues of a group of three women,
by Hüseyin Özkan, located in front of the Tower of Independence. The women
represent the common people and are wearing traditional clothes. Two of these
women are holding a large wreath that reaches the ground and is made up of
sheaves of grain, symbolizing Turkeys fertile land. The woman on the left holds
a cup in her hand, asking in earnest for Gods blessings for their great leader.
The woman standing in the middle has covered her face and is a symbol of
national grief.
These statues seek to convey the strength of Turkish will amidst great grief
which was unparalled in Turkish history. Though the women share an outpouring of
sorrow, they display gratitude, self-respect and the dignity that comes with the
recognition of all that was achieved and won. Despite the deep sorrow due to
Atatürk's death, the women also reflect the pride, serenity and determination of
Turkish women who made countless sacrifices in the struggle for national
liberation.
Another group of figures by the same artist is found across the path facing
the women. The statues of three men are located in front of the Tower of
Liberty. One figure in uniform and helmet represents the Turkish soldier,
to whom Turks are grateful for their past and present
sacrifices. The man next to him holding a book represents the Turkish
intellectual and youth, and the third man in local dress represents the Turkish
peasant. The Turkish nation's virtues, might, intellectual abilities, and great
power of will are expressed in their faces along with sorrow for the loss of
their leader. These symbols of
continuity area tribute to all those known and unknown, who today
and in the past, have made untold sacrifices.

LION ROAD & CEREMONY SQUARE

The path which leads to the
Mausoleum plays an important role in the contemplation of the meaning of
Atatürks struggle to establish and build a nation. While walking down this path
amidst regal lion statues, the visitor contemplates the meaning of his or her
visit.
There are 24 seated lions on both sides of the 262 meters long road. These
statues are also the works by Hüseyin Özkan. In Turkish mythology, the lion
symbolizes power and endurance. The statues were made in the artistic style of
the Hittites, who once founded a civilization in Anatolia. The form of the lion
was thus selected due to the fact that Atatürk attached great importance to
Turkish and Anatolian history.
Both sides of the Lion Road are decorated with juniper trees and flowers. Due
to the height of the trees the Mausoleum can not be fully viewed until the end
of the road is reachedit is then that the monumental building has an
unforgettable impact upon the visitor as it becomes visible. The path leads into
Ceremony Square which has the capacity to hold 15,000 people. The ground is
decorated with 373 carpet and kilim motifs of various colors.
While one walks along the travertine stone path of lions, and upon the
ceremonial grounds, the visitors eyes focus on a Turkish flag flying in the
distance. The flag is continuously displayed at Anıtkabir except on November 10,
the anniversary of Atatürks death. The flag is in full view as the visitor
continues through the square and up the steps which lead to the Mausoleum.
Çankaya and the rest of the Turkish capital can also be seen
in the distance.The flag pole was the highest of steel flag poles
in Europe in 1953 and was made in America. It is over 33 meters long and weighs
4,850 kg. Four meters of the flag pole are underground beneath the pedestal. The
flag pole was presented as a gift to Anıtkabir in 1946 by an American citizen of
Turkish origin, Nazmi Cemal, who produced it in his factory.

LIBRARY, FILM ROOM & GIFT SHOP

The Library of Anıtkabir is located
in the Headquarters of the Command of Atatürk. The library contains books on
Atatürk, the National Struggle, and reforms of the Turkish Republic. Reference
material can be found in Turkish and in foreign languages. The facility serves
as an "expert library" for researchers and readers on weekdays. Documentaries
about Atatürk, Anıtkabir and the National Struggle are shown in the
Documentary/Film Room in the Tower of Mehmetçik. The modern facility seats 60
people. A souvenir and gift shop is located in the Tower of the Defence of
Rights. Books, CDs, and a range of items, and educational material on Atatürk,
Anıtkabir and the War of Independence can be purchased at this store.

A SHORT HISTORY OF ANITKABIR

HISTORY OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAUSOLEUM

After Atatürk passed away on November 10, 1938, a special committee was
established by the government of the time to choose the place for Anitkabir. As
a consequence of its studies, the commission by majority decided to build the
mausoleum on Rasattepe. An international design competition was held by the same
commission on March 1, 1941. Totally 47 projects from Turkey, Germany, Italy,
Austria, Switzerland, France and Czechoslovakia applied for the competition.
Three of these projects were merited for reward. According to the terms of the
competition the right to choose the winner was given to the government. It was
decided to apply the project of Turkish architectures, Prof. Emin Onat and Dr.
Orhan Arda since it expressed the national theme much more successfully and was
suitable for the area. The construction of Anitkabir started on October 9, 1944
and it was completed in 9 years of 4 stages, in 1953. On November 10, 1953 the
body of Atatürk was taken from Ethnographical Museum, which had been his tomb
temporarily for 15 years starting from 1938, and was buried in his eternal
resting place, Anitkabir. Anitkabir is located on an area of 750,000 m2.
Approximately 120,000 m2 of this area is the Monument Block, and the
rest is the Peace Park.

WOMEN STATUE GROUP

There is the statue group of three women in front of the Tower of
Independence wearing traditional clothes. Two of these women are holding a large
wreath reaching the ground made up of grain sheaf, symbolizing our fertile land.
The woman on the left with a cup in her hand is begging God to bless Atatürk.
And the woman in the middle, covering her face with her hand, is crying. This
group of statues illustrates proud, calm and eager Turkish women despite the
deep sorrow of Atatürk's death. Statue group is a work by Hüseyin Özkan.

MEN STATUE GROUP

The statue group of three men is situated in front of the Tower of Liberty.
The one in uniform and helmet represents the Turkish soldier. The man next to it
with a book in his hand represents the Turkish intellectual and youth and the
one with local dress just behind it represents the Turkish peasant. Turkish
Nation's calmness and great power of will are expressed in sorrow on these
statues' faces. This statue group is a work by Hüseyin Özkan.

LION ROAD

On both sides of the 262 meters long road, which was built to make visitors
ready for the presence of Atatürk, there are 24 lion statues in sitting
position. The lion statues, which symbolize power and endurance in the Turkish
mythology and which were sculpted in the art style of Hittites, who once founded
a civilization in Anatolia, due to the fact that Atatürk attached great
importance to the Turkish and Anatolian history, symbolize power and stillness.
These statues are also the works by Hüseyin Özkan. Both sides of the Lion Road
are decorated with juniper trees and flowers. The road is paved with travertine
stones. There is a Turkish flag at the end of the road and Çankaya is seen far
ahead. This is very meaningful in terms of approaching the eminent presence of
Atatürk.

CEREMONY SQUARE

Dimensions of the ceremony square, located at the end of the Lion Road with a
15,000 people capacity, are 129x84.5 meters. The ground of the ceremony square is decorated with 373
carpet and rug motifs, coloured in black, yellow, red and white.

FLAG POLE

In the middle of the entrance stairs of the ceremony square in Çankaya
direction, waves a Turkish flag on the top of a high flag pole. This flag pole
made in America, 33 meters 53 centimeters long and weighing 4,850 kg, was the
highest of steel flag poles in Europe in 1953. 4 meters of it is beneath the
pedestal. It was produced in a factory belonged to a Turkish originated American
citizen named Nazmi Cemal and presented to Anitkabir in 1946.

MAUSOLEUM

There are 42 stairs to the mausoleum, which is the most important part of
Anitkabir, and right in the middle of these stairs there is the "Speech
Platform". The face of the marble platform is decorated with circular geometric
motifs, and in the middle one of the epigrams of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk saying
"Sovereignty unconditionally and unrestrictedly belongs to the nation" is
inscribed on it. Platform is a work by Kenan YONTUÇ. Mausoleum is erected on a
long rectangular platform dimensions of which are 72x52x17 meters. There are
eight columns of 14.40 meters high on both front and backsides, and fourteen
columns on sides. On the front of the mausoleum, on the right side, his speech
on the tenth anniversary of the republic and on the left side his speech to the
Turkish youth are written with golden leaf letters on the reliefs.

HALL OF HONOR

You can enter the hall of honor through bronze doors. On the right side,
there is the last message of Mustafa Kemal to the Turkish Army dated October 29,
1938, on the left side, there is the message of İsmet İnönü on the death of
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on November 21, 1938. Inside the niche of the window just
across the entrance, there is the symbolic sarcophagus of Atatürk. The
sarcophagus is a single piece of 40 tons of marble, brought from Osmaniye. The
part where the sarcophagus stands is covered with white Afyon marbles. The floor
of the hall is covered with marbles brought from Adana and Hatay, and the side
walls are covered with marbles brought from Afyon and Bilecik having red, black,
green and tiger pelt colors. The ceiling of the hall of honor and ceilings of
galleries on both sides supported by 27 beams are decorated with golden gilt
mosaics consisting of Turkish rug and carpet motifs. Height of the ceiling is 17
meters. There are 12 torches on the walls. The top of the mausoleum is covered
with a flat lead roof.

THE TOMB ROOM

The beloved body of Atatürk is placed in a grave directly dug
into soil in the ground floor of the mausoleum. The tomb room situated right
beneath the symbolic sarcophagus in the Hall of Honor of the mausoleum has an
octagonal plan in Seldjuk and Ottoman architectural style. Its pyramidal spire
is adorned with mosaics of geometric motifs. The floor and the walls are covered
with black, white and red marbles. In the center of the tomb room there is the
red marble sarcophagus in the direction of Mecca. The brass vases filled with
soil brought from every province of Turkey as well as from the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus and from Azerbaijan surround the sarcophagus.

SARCOPHAGUS OF İSMET İNÖNÜ

In the West Arcade, there is
the symbolic sarcophagus of second president İsmet İnönü who passed away on
December 25, 1973. The real tomb room of him is downstairs. İsmet İnönü was
buried in Anitkabir on December 28, 1973 by the decision of the Council of
Ministers.

MOVIE ROOM

In the room having 60 people capacity, documentaries about
Atatürk, Anitkabir and National Struggle are shown. The room is located in the
Tower of Mehmetçik.

SOUVENIR SHOP

In here, souvenirs, books and CDs about Atatürk, Anitkabir
and the War of Independence are sold. The shop is located in the Tower of
Defence of Rights.

LIBRARY OF ANITKABIR

Library of Anitkabir is in the Headquarters of the Command of Atatürk and the
War of Independence Museum. Library, containing books about Atatürk, National
Struggle and Reforms in Turkish and foreign languages, serves as an "expert
library" to researchers and readers on weekdays between 09:00-12:00 /13:30-17:00

1. PEACE PARK: THE GREEN PARK OF ANITKABİR INSPIRED BY THE
QUOTATION OF ATATÜRK "PEACE AT HOME, PEACE IN THE WORLD" CONSISTS OF TREES
BROUGHT FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND VARIOUS REGIONS OF ANATOLIA. THEREFORE IT IS
CALLED PEACE PARK.

2. THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE ENTRANCE FROM GENÇLİK AVENUE AND
THE LION ROAD IS 600 METERS LONG AND ONE CAN WALK THIS PATH IN APPROXIMATELY 12
MINUTES. ONE REACHES THE LION ROAD THROUGH WIDE STAIRS WITH 26 STEPS. ALONG THE
262 METERS LONG ROAD, THERE ARE 24 STATUES OF LIONS ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE.

3. TOWER OF LIBERTY: IN THE TOWER, PICTURES OF THE
CONSTRUCTION PHASE OF ANITKABiR AND SAMPLES OF THE STONES USED IN THE
CONSTRUCTION ARE EXHIBITED.

4. TOWER OF INDEPENDENCE: INSIDE THE TOWER PLACED A SMALL MODEL
OF ANITKABİR ANDANITKABİR IS INTRODUCED BY THE HELP OF PHOTOGRAPHS.

5. TOWER OF MEHMETÇİK: A MOVIE ROOM WITH 60 PEOPLE CAPACITY IS LOCATED INSIDE THE
TOWER. IN HERE, DOCUMENTARIES ABOUT
ATATÜRK AND ANITKABİR ARE SHOWN.

7. SARCOPHAGUS OF İSMET İNÖNÜ: THERE IS THE SARCOPHAGUS OF
OUR SECOND PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER OF THE WESTERN FRONT İSMET İNÖNÜ. THE TOMB
ROOM IS BENEATH THE SARCOPHAGUS.

8. TOWER OF PEACE: INSIDE THE TOWER, LINCOLN BRAND CEREMONIAL
AND OFFICIAL CARS USED BYATATÜRK BETWEEN 1935 AND 1938 ARE EXHIBITED.

9. TOWER OF APRIL 23: INSIDE THE TOWER, CADILLAC BRAND PRIVATE
CAR USED BY ATATÜRK BETWEEN 1936 AN D 1938 IS
EXHIBITED.

10. FLAG POLE: 33.5 METERS LONG, PRESENTED TO ANITKABİR IN 1946 BY A TURKISH
ORIGINATED AMERICAN CITIZEN NAMED NAZMİ CEMAL.

11. TOWER OF NATIONAL PACT: INSIDE THE TOWER THERE ARE THE
ROSTRUM WHERE THE HONOR BOOK OF ANITKABİR IS
SIGNED AND TWO PANELS ON WHICH VISITS OF HIGH PROTOCOL ARE DEPICTED. HERE IS
ALSO THE ENTRANCE OF ATATÜRKAND THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE MUSEUM.

12. TOWER OF REVOLUTION: THERE ARE GARMENTS OF ATATÜRK AND THE
OBJECTS PRESENTED TO HIM AS GIFTS.

13. TOWER OF REPUBLIC: THERE ARE THE WAX STATUE OF
ATATURK AND HIS ORIGINAL STUDY DESK. BESIDES THERE ARE TOUCH-SCREEN KIOSKS
HAVING "ATATÜRK AND BOOK" AS THE SUBJECT IN THIS TOWER.

14. TOWER OF DEFENCE OF RIGHTS (EXIT OF THE MUSEUM): VARIOUS
BOOKS AND SOUVENIRS ABOUT ATATÜRK AND ANITKABİR ARE PRESENTED TO THE
VISITORS. CARD-PHONE SERVICE IS ALSO PROVIDED IN THIS TOWER.

15. MAUSOLEUM: ON THE FRONT OF THE MAUSOLEUM, ON THE LEFT
SIDE ATATURK'S SPEECH TO THE TURKISH YOUTH AND ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE, HIS
SPEECH ON THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC ARE WRITTEN WITH GOLDEN LEAF
LETTERS. OTTOMAN CARPET AND RUG MOTIFS ARE EMBROIDERED ON THE CEILING OF THE
MAUSOLEUM WITH GOLD, SILVER AND NACRE. THE SARCOPHAGUS IN HERE IS A SINGLE PIECE
OF 40TONS OF MARBLE.

16. CAFETERIA: YOU CAN REST HERE BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR VISIT TO THE MUSEUM.
HOT COLD DRINKS AND VARIOUS FOOD ARE BEING SOLD. CARD-PHONE SERVICE IS PROVIDED.